FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. - A spokesperson for an area hospital credits Minnesota State Fair leaders for being ready to handle warm weather at the fair on Thursday.

According to Regions Hospital, which handles the medical care at the fair, there had been about 20 medical calls for heat related issues on Thursday by about 3 p.m., which a spokesperson said isn't many considering the temperatures were in the 90s. 

The fair brought extra medical staff onto the fairgrounds and put up three portable misting machines at various locations to help fairgoers cope with the heat.

It also provided free ice water in coolers at each information booth so that fairgoers could refill bottles. They also handed out state fair bandanas, which can be soaked with water and placed on a neck or forehead.

Medical personnel offered so advice to stay cool too.

St. Paul Firefighter Randy Villarreal said, "About 89 percent of our runs out here are heat-related and so we advise people to drink a lot of fluids before they come out keep hydrating them.  Wear light clothing.  Don't wear dark clothing of course and try to stay in the shade."

Fairgoer Karen Levinson of Bloomington, who was at the fair with her 90-year-old mother, had this advice. 

She said, "Take it slow and easy. Don't rush around because that will get you even hotter."

Villarreal said some people often try to see as much as they can at the fair and that can be dangerous on a hot day.  He said sometimes people on a budget will not eat or hydrate enough. He said it's best to avoid alcohol.

Then take advantage of the free water stations around the fair, including the one at the
KARE barn.

He said if you get dizzy or feel sick get in some shade and have someone get you water quickly.

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